Hockey India hails 'skilful' Akashdeep Singh on 100th international cap

Hockey India has congratulated striker Akashdeep Singh after he completed his 100 International caps during the side's 1-0 defeat against New Zealand in their third match of the 6-Nations Invitational Tournament on Thursday.

The 22-year-old, who has been part of the Ludhiana as well as the Surjit Hockey Academy, made his debut against England at the Champions Trophy in 2012.

Akashdeep was a part of the squad that won the Asian Games Gold at Incheon as well as Bronze at the Hockey World League (HWL) in Raipur. He scored a goal in the Bronze medal match and was also part of the Champions Trophy squad that won Silver at London earlier this month.

In 2015, Akashdeep was nominated for the Annual FIH Rising Star of the Year award. A hard working and skilful striker, Akashdeep also earned his spot as one of the top bids at the auction last season and plays for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Coal India Hockey India League (HIL).

Congratulating the striker for his achievement, Md. Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India said, "Akashdeep is part of a new generation of hockey players, who have been instrumental in providing the energy in the team at big games and tournaments. He is a skilful player with great team spirit and very good tactical understanding. It shows his immense talent, that at such a young age he has already achieved 100 International Caps. I wish him the best, for all the future games and hope he continues to make the team proud.